Who We Are

Founded in 2008, we work closely with underserved communities in Oregon and internationally to co-design ways people can strengthen and sustain their own economies while preserving the environment.

Vision

We envision a world without homelessness—

A world in which every person has a place to call home, to feel at home, to grow, and to flourish.

And, by home—

We mean not only a safe, warm place with a good roof, but also connections to a community of people who look after each other.

And, by community—

We mean not only people, but also connections to a place, an environment.

And, by environment—

We mean not only services, but also connections to clean air and water, arable land, good food, recreation, art, music, education, healthcare, and meaningful ways to express one’s talents through work and play.

Everyone deserves a home of this nature.

Meet the Oregon Team

Ron Severson

Oregon Director
Ron taught courses in international business communication and social entrepreneurship in the University of Oregon Department of Management for 23 years. With his students, he co-founded MAPLE in 2008 and thereafter served pro bono as executive director until his retirement in 2020. Today, he directs MAPLE's Oregon Branch. He also speaks Danish and has taught graduate courses in microfinance and development for several summers at Copenhagen Business School.
Laura Williams

Portland Coordinator
Laura is coordinating MAPLE Oregon’s expansion from Eugene to Portland, OR. She has a Masters (MSc) of Science in Primate Conservation and a Bachelor of Science in Sociology and Anthropology, both from Oxford Brooks University, England. Prior to moving to Portland, Oregon, she worked as a digital marketer for an environmental organization in Nairobi, Kenya, as an operations manager for an ecotourism company, and as a business development officer for a restaurant in London
Sharon Alitema Cornwell

Advisor
Sharon is an architect and project manager for a housing company in Portland, Oregon. Originally from Uganda and formerly a MAPLE board member, she now advises MAPLE Oregon on affordiable housing issues.
Caz Swank

Advisor
Caz researches sustainable communities around the world and currently serves as advisor to MAPLE’s Oregon Branch. She holds a Masters in Leadership in Sustainability
Mike Sullivan

Advisor
Mike is a retired Eugene city planner. Formerly a MAPLE board member, he now advises MAPLE Oregon on affordable housing, land, and sustainable development issues.

Meet Our Community Liaisons

Sam Koekkoek

Eugene Partner Liaison
Sam works as Site Lead for Everyone Village Eugene (E1V) and serves as the liaison between MAPLE and the EVE community. He is also a member of the planning team for co-designing small cooperatives of more permanent housing that E1V residents can actually afford. Prior to working at E1V, Sam awas a care provider and information technology assistant for the Seattle School of Theology and Psychology where he earned his Masters of Divinity (MDiv).
Jessica Kain

Portland Partner Liaison
Jessica works as the education program coordinator a p:ear, a creative non-profit that serves homeless youth in Portland, Oregon. She serves as our liaison to p:ear youth and staff who are currently co-creating a savings and credit-building pilot with MAPLE. Prior to working at p:ear, Jessica served as program director, on site, and as program advisor, remotely, for the Marpha Foundation in Nepal. She earned her Masters of Fine Arts in Sculpture and Extended Media from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Bachelors of Arts in Studio Art and Anthropology from Dartmouth College.